Prince William faced questions on his mindset on the 2026 BAFTA Awards as controversy plagues the royal family as a consequence of his disgraced uncle, ex-Prince Andrew‘s recent arrest.
While attending the ceremony with Kate Middleton, the Prince of Wales admitted he isn’t in the best headspace to observe the emotional film “Hamnet.”
As investigations unfold and public scrutiny intensifies, Prince William has backed King Charles’ call for due process as investigations into Andrew’s links to late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, proceed.
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Prince William Admits He ‘Needs To Be A Calm State’ As He Skips ‘Hamnet’ At 2026 BAFTA Awards
William offered a candid glimpse into his way of thinking following the arrest of his uncle, Prince Andrew, last Thursday.
The Prince of Wales attended the 2026 BAFTA Awards along with his wife, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, where he was asked in regards to the film “Hamnet,” which won Best British Film on the ceremony.
The historical drama explores the grief of William Shakespeare and Agnes Hathaway after the death of their young son.
William, 43, admitted he has yet to observe the film, explaining that he isn’t currently in the best headspace.
In keeping with the Each day Mail, he said, “I should be in quite a relaxed state, and I’m not in the intervening time,” adding that he “will put it aside.”
Kate, nonetheless, shared that she had already seen the movie and located it deeply moving.
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“I believed it was a foul idea, actually,” she joked. “Ended up with very puffy eyes. It was so beautifully shot. The music as well. The rating is unbelievable.”
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Prince William And Kate Middleton Stepped Out in Style, As Ex-Prince Andrew’s Arrest Intensifies Royal Scrutiny
Despite the unfolding controversy inside the royal family, the couple presented a elegant appearance on the pink carpet.
Kate wore a blush-toned Gucci gown, while William opted for a burgundy velvet evening jacket by Giorgio Armani paired with black trousers. They smiled for photographers as they arrived on the event.
The Wales’ outing got here days after Andrew was arrested on February 19, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The previous Duke of York was reportedly questioned for 11 hours before being released.
The allegations involve claims that he forwarded confidential trade documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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Insider Claims The Monarchy May Not Move Forward Until ‘Andrew Goes To Prison’
Investigations could reportedly extend further, with UK authorities potentially looking for warrants to look at electronic devices and offices connected to Andrew, including spaces he occupied at Buckingham Palace.
A royal insider suggested that the situation may not fully settle until legal proceedings conclude, adding that some imagine the monarchy may only move forward “if Andrew goes to prison.”
They added: “Truly, things cannot move on until we get a brand new reign [when Prince William is King], during which we’d get a honeymoon period.”
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King Charles III Expresses ‘Deepest Concern’ Over Prince Andrew Arrest As Pressure Mounts On Prince William
In response to Andrew’s arrest, King Charles III issued an announcement through Buckingham Palace expressing “deepest concern” and emphasizing support for a full and proper investigation by the relevant authorities. William and Kate are understood to back the king’s position.
Earlier this month, the Prince and Princess of Wales also addressed newly released files related to Epstein, stating through a spokesperson that they continue to be “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations” and that their “thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
Nevertheless, as developments proceed to unfold, the situation is reportedly placing increasing pressure on William in his role as future king.
One longtime acquaintance of the prince suggested that while “William is likely to be the changemaker the country needs, he won’t want it forced on him in this fashion.”
With growing public scrutiny surrounding the monarchy, expectations for accountability have intensified.
Still, others near the royal household have urged restraint. One source emphasized that although the allegations surrounding Andrew are serious and troubling, they mustn’t be seen as reflective of the institution as an entire.
In keeping with the source, “one individual’s grave wrongdoing doesn’t define the whole Royal Family, nor does it diminish the countless contributions they’ve made to our nation.”
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Prince William Has Also Distanced Himself From Prince Harry, Royal Insider Claims
Meanwhile, William has reportedly created a greater distance between himself and his brother, Prince Harry, further straining a relationship that has remained fractured for six years.
The claim comes from Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler and onetime footman to Queen Elizabeth II.
In his latest memoir, “The Royal Insider,” Burrell reflects on his many years of service inside the royal household and offers his perspective on the brothers’ ongoing divide.
Talking to Fox News Digital, Burrell suggested that the separation between William and Harry is more significant than the general public may realize.
In keeping with him, the Prince of Wales’ future role as king requires a special level of caution and control.
“I believe William has distanced himself from Harry so much greater than people realize,” Burrell said. “Because William’s path could be very different from Harry’s. As he gets nearer and nearer to the throne, which shall be in a number of years, he has to stay isolated. He must be in a world that could be very tight and guarded.”